Wetang’ula’s call on ODM leader faulted

A section of Orange Democratic Movement politicians have told off Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetang’ula following his calls for opposition chief Raila Odinga to shelve his presidential ambitions and support him.

In what could further widen the emerging rift in the Cord alliance, the MPs were particularly angry with Mr Wetang’ula’s claim last Thursday that Mr Odinga was unlikely to win a presidential contest against President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The Ford-K party leader has insisted that he is the most suitable to face President Kenyatta next year and accused Mr Odinga of seeking to divide the Luhya community during his tour of the region last week.

He said Mr Odinga should instead let him and Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka fight to be Cord’s flag bearer.

The Bungoma senator declared that he brought higher numbers to the coalition compared to the ODM leader.

However, the MPs from Nyanza said Mr Wetang’ula has sensed defeat.

Homa Bay Woman Rep Gladys Wanga, MPs Oyugi Magwanga (Kasipul), Jakoyo Midiwo (Gem), Opiyo Wandayi (Ugunja), Peter Kaluma (Homa Bay Town), Shakeel Shabbir (Kisumu East) and Fred Outa (Nyando) said Mr Wetang’ula had been thrown into panic by the support Mr Odinga still enjoys in western Kenya.

“The tone of Mr Wetang’ula’s language has started to annoy. I am very sure there is an underlying issue behind the Ford Kenya leader’s remarks. It is just a matter of time and it will be known,” said Mr Midiwo, who is the National Assembly deputy minority leader.

He challenged Mr Wetang’ula to explain why he did not deliver the numbers to Cord in the 2013 election.

Mr Shabbir said the other leaders’ seeking Mr Odinga’s endorsement illustrates that he is the strongest among them.